KR100654442B1 - Network device for providing service constitution virtual and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a network device for providing a virtually configured service and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a description of a virtual device by combining device descriptions and service descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs constituting a virtual device input from a user. The present invention relates to a network device for providing a virtually configured service for quickly providing a service desired by a user, and a method thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network device for providing a virtually configured service includes a device reconfiguration module for providing device descriptions of a plurality of network devices constituting a virtual device for providing a virtual service in a home network environment. A service reconfiguration module for providing a service description for the virtual service among the service descriptions of the network devices, and a device description and the service description of the provided plurality of network devices to generate a description of the virtual device. A description reconfiguration module.

Virtual Device, UPnP CP, UPnP CD, Description

Description

A network device for providing a virtually configured service and a method thereof

1 is a diagram illustrating an operation process for controlling a UPnP control device existing in a conventional home network.

2 is a diagram showing a system for providing a virtually constructed service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an UPnP control point in a system for providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal network device for providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of creating a description in a method of providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

100: UPnP CP 200: UPnP CD

300: network device 110: device / service discovery module

120: device configuration request module 130: service configuration request module

310: device reconfiguration module 320: service reconfiguration module

330: description reconfiguration module

The present invention relates to a network device for providing a virtually configured service and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a description of a virtual device by combining device descriptions and service descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs constituting a virtual device input from a user. The present invention relates to a network device for providing a virtually configured service for quickly providing a service desired by a user, and a method thereof.

Generally, a home network consists of a private network based on the Internet Protocol (IP), and is used for all types of personal computers (PCs), intelligent products, and wireless devices used in the home. Various devices are connected and controlled by one network.

The structure of the UPnP home network is divided into a UPnP controlled device (UPnP Controlled Device: UPnP CD) and a UPnP Control Point (UPnP Control Point: UPnP CP) for controlling the UPnP CD.

The UPnP CD may include several UPnP devices, and each device implements a specific service according to its function. In addition, the UPnP CD transmits a message informing the device information and the service information that can be performed, and when the UPnP CP requests more detailed information, the UPnP CD transmits a description file describing the detailed information about the device and the service to the UPnP CP.

The UPnP CP finds the desired device and service and calls the service. In addition, the UPnP CP controls the UPnP CD by analyzing a description file of an XML file format describing a service of a specific device.

In addition, the UPnP CP is divided into a general UPnP CP that can control a number of UPnP CD and a UPnP CP specialized to control a specific UPnP CD.

First of all, General UPnP CP has the advantage of controlling multiple UPnP CDs with one UPnP CP, while multiple devices can be displayed at the same time. It is inconvenient to find, find a service of each device and request execution.

In addition, the UPnP CP specialized for a specific UPnP CD can easily find the UPnP CD desired by the user and request a service. However, when the number of UPnP CDs that the user wants to control is large, the user has to use several UPnP CPs alternately. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation process for controlling a UPnP control device existing in a conventional home network. In order to control a UPnP device in a current UPnP home network, a discovery process and a description process may be performed. Information of the UPnP CD 20 can be obtained and the UPnP CD 20 can be controlled through the information of the UPnP CD 20 connected to the home network obtained through the above process. Here, the discovery process finds the UPnP CD 20 to be controlled by the UPnP CP 10, and also reads the service template XML of the UPnP CD 20 found in the discovery process through the description process. It analyzes what command the UPnP CP 10 can issue to a specific UPnP CD 20. The UPnP CP 10 controls the UPnP CD 20 by sending a command in the form of a SOAP message to a specific service of the UPnP CD 20 to be controlled through the control process. Meanwhile, the UPnP CD 20 performs an event process of transmitting the changed information to the UPnP CP 10.

1A is a diagram illustrating a discovery process.

The discovery process can be explained in two broad ways. One is when a new UPnP device enters the home network, and the other is when the UPnP CP 10 enters the home network.

First, when a UPnP CD (for example, UPnP CD 1) enters the network, it is called advertising. In this case, the UPnP CD 20 sends a multicast message to UPnP. The CP 10 is notified of its existence.

That is, the UPnP CD 20 enters the network in the state where the UPnP CP 10 exists, and after its own URL is assigned through an addressing process, the presence of the UPnP CP 10 is transmitted as a multicast message. Send to all devices or UPnP CP 10 on the network. The UPnP CP 10 that wants to control the UPnP CD 20 receives and registers a message multicasted by the UPnP CD 20.

On the contrary, if the UPnP CP 10 enters a new home network with UPnP CDs present on the network, the UPnP CD 10 sends a multicast message, and the UPnP CDs are looking for themselves. The unicast message is transmitted to the UPnP CP 10. That is, when the UPnP CD finishes the addressing process and receives its own URL, the UPnP CP 10 receives the multicast search message and sends a unicast response message to the UPnP CP 10 looking for itself. The UPnP CP 10 receiving the response message registers the UPnP CD.

1B is a diagram illustrating a description process.

The description process refers to a process in which the UPnP CP 10 obtains service functions necessary for controlling the UPnP CD 20 by analyzing a service description XML file provided by the UPnP CD 20.

That is, the UPnP CP 10 that wants to control the UPnP CD 20 requests the description XML file from the UPnP CD 20, parses the description XML file transmitted from the UPnP CD 20, and UPnP. The service information provided by the CD 20 is obtained.

1C is a diagram illustrating a control operation process.

The control process is a SOAP to a specific service of the UPnP CD 20 to be controlled by the UPnP CP 10 while the UPnP CD 20 and the UPnP CP 10 know each other's URL address through an addressing process and a discovery process. Sending a command in the form of a message. That is, the UPnP CD 20 can directly control the UPnP CD 20 by transmitting a service template for the UPnP CD 20 that the UPnP CP 10 wants to control.

However, although many functions (services) provided by UPnP devices are provided, the number of functions (services) that a user uses to achieve a real purpose is not only limited, but also UPnP when there are many functions (services) provided. When it appears in the CP, the user feels more inconvenient to use a certain function because he has to go through a cumbersome procedure to check various functions one by one.

In addition, searching each service provided in the home network is not only time-consuming but also causes unnecessary traffic in the network, thereby reducing the efficiency of the network.

Korean Patent No. 406078 (Home network device, home network control device, system for reconstructing description file in home network and method thereof) is a home network control requesting that a description file provided by a home network device be reconfigured to a desired file. A description file reconstruction system in a home network comprising a device and a home network device for reconstructing a description file into a description file composed of only a service item desired by a user at the request of a home network control device is disclosed. It reconfigures the service function of a device according to a user's request. It does not mention the technology of newly reconfiguring the functions of a plurality of home network devices according to a user's preference. not.

An object of the present invention is to provide a service desired by a user by generating a description of a virtual device by combining device descriptions and service descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs constituting a virtual device received from a user.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, a network device for providing a virtually configured service according to an embodiment of the present invention provides device descriptions of a plurality of network devices constituting a virtual device for providing a virtual service in a home network environment. A device reconfiguration module, a service reconfiguration module for providing a service description necessary for the virtual service among the service descriptions of the plurality of network devices, and a device description and the service description of the provided plurality of network devices in combination; A description reconfiguration module that generates a description of the virtual device.

In addition, the method for providing a virtually configured service according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a user designating a virtual device for providing a virtual service in a home network environment, and a plurality of network devices configuring the virtual device. Providing device descriptions of the plurality of network devices, providing a service description necessary for the virtual service among the service descriptions of the plurality of network devices, and combining the device descriptions and the service descriptions of the provided plurality of network devices. Generating a description of the virtual device.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a virtually constructed service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the system providing various virtually configured service functions includes the UPnP CP 100, the UPnP CD 200, and the network device 300. Here, a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 exist in the home network, and may be understood as a PDA 210, a microwave oven 220, a digital TV 230, a home theater 240, a DVD 250, and the like. In the present invention, a plurality of UPnP CD devices 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are called UPnP CDs 200.

The UPnP CP 100 requests description of UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network, and receives a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device providing a virtual service from a user.

That is, the UPnP CP 100 requests a description from the UPnP CD 200 existing in the home network, and the UPnP CD 200 transmits its description.

Next, the UPnP CP 100 checks and grasps device information, service information, and location of a plurality of UPnP CDs 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 existing in the home network through descriptions received from the UPnP CDs 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250.

Subsequently, when a plurality of network devices constituting a virtual device providing a virtual service that a user wants to use in a home network environment and a service of the virtual device are received, the devices and services of the checked UPnP CDs 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are input. The device description and service description of the plurality of UPnP CDs constituting the virtual device are generated and transmitted to the network device 300 through the information.

For example, a plurality of network devices (eg, digital TV 230 and DVD 250) that a user configures a virtual device among a plurality of UPnP CDs 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 and a service of the virtual device (eg, For example, when the play on / off function of the service provided by the digital TV 230 and the play on / off function of the service provided by the DVD 250 are selected, the UPnP CP 100 selects the digital TV (the user selected). The device description of 230, the device description of the DVD 250, the service description of the playback on / off function of the digital TV 230, and the service description of the play on / off function of the DVD 250 are provided. To send).

Thereafter, the network device 300 combines device descriptions and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 transmitted from the UPnP CP 100 to generate a description of the virtual device.

The UPnP CD 200 provides its description to the control point 100 and provides a predetermined service under the control of the control point 100. Here, a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 exist in the home network.

The network device 300 generates a description of the virtual device using a combination of device descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200. The description of the virtual device is transmitted to the UPnP CP 100.

In the present invention, the network device 300 is located in a home gateway that connects the home network with the outside to receive various services. However, this is not possible in one embodiment, and the network device 300 may also be located in the UPnP CP 100 and the UPnP CD 200 present in the home network.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal UPnP control point in a system for providing a virtually configured service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a block diagram of an internal module of the UPnP CP 100, and FIGS. 3B to 3D are block diagrams showing lower modules of respective modules of the UPnP CP 100. Referring to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the UPnP CP 100 includes a device / service discovery module 110, a device configuration request module 120, and a service configuration request module 130.

The device / service retrieval module 110 retrieves device and service information of the UPnP CD 200 existing in the home network. The device / service retrieval module 110 requests a description from the UPnP CD 200, and then receives the description transmitted from the UPnP CD 200. By parsing and obtaining information of UPnP CDs 200 present in the home network, the UPnP CDs 200 are controlled.

The device configuration request module 120 generates a device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user, and transmits the generated device description to the network device 300 to determine the device description of the virtual device. Request configuration.

That is, when the device / service retrieval module 110 transmits device information of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device input from a user, devices of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 based on the transmitted device information. A description is generated and the generated device description is transmitted to the network device 300.

The service configuration request module 130 generates a service description necessary for the service of the virtual device among the service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user, and generates the generated service description from the network device 300. Request a configuration of the service description of the virtual device.

That is, when the device / service retrieval module 110 transmits service information of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device input from a user, the service of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 based on the transmitted service information. A description is generated and the generated service description is transmitted to the network device 300.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the device / service retrieval module 110 may include a reception module 111, a device / service information extraction module 112, a device / service information configuration module 113, and a transmission module 114. It is configured to include.

The receiving module 111 receives information transmitted by the UPnP CD 200 or the network device 300, that is, the UPnP CP 100 receives a multicast message to find the UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network. When transmitting, the UPnP CD 200 transmits a unicast message to the UPnP CP 100 looking for itself. At this time, the transmitted message is received through the receiving module 111.

In addition, when the UPnP CP 100 requests a description to know detailed information of the UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network, the UPnP CDs 200 transmit their descriptions. At this time, the receiving module 111 receives descriptions transmitted by the UPnP CDs 200.

The device / service information extraction module 112 parses the description of the UPnP CDs 200 received by the receiving module 111 and extracts device and service information on the UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network.

The device / service information configuration module 113 stores device information and service information of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device input from a user.

For example, a user selects a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 (for example, a digital TV and a DVD) constituting a virtual device among the plurality of UPnP CDs 200, and provides a service (eg, For example, when a play on / off function of a service provided by a digital TV and a play on / off function of a service provided by a DVD are selected, the device / service information configuration module 113 may select a plurality of UPnP CDs (user-selected CDs). Device information (i.e., digital TV and DVD) of 200, and service information (i.e., play on / off function of digital TV and play on / off function of DVD) of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 selected by a user. Save it.

The transmitting module 114 transmits a multicast message that the UPnP CP 100 sends to the UPnP CDs 200 to find the UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network, and also transmits the UPnP CD 200 and the network device ( 300) transmits a message informing his information.

In addition, the transmission module 114 may be configured to request the device configuration request module 120 and the device and service information of a plurality of UPnP CD 200 constituting a virtual device received from a user stored in the device / service information configuration module 113, And a service configuration request module 130.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the device configuration request module 120 includes a device information generation module 121 and a device reconfiguration request module 122.

The device information generation module 121 generates a device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user.

For example, when a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device input from a user are digital TVs and DVDs, the device information generation module 121 generates device descriptions of the digital TV and device descriptions of the DVD. Here, the device description is generated by a user inputting a definition of a predetermined device.

The device reconfiguration request module 122 requests the network device 300 to configure the virtual device with the generated device description, that is, transmits the device description generated by the device information generation module 121 to the network device 300. And a message requesting configuration of the virtual device for the transmitted device description.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the service configuration request module 130 includes a service information generation module 131 and a service reconfiguration request module 132.

The service information generation module 131 generates a service description necessary for the virtual service among the services of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user.

For example, if the service required by the virtual device among the services of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device input from the user is a play on / off function of the digital TV, the service description for the corresponding service function Create In this case, the service description is generated by a user inputting a definition of a predetermined service.

The service reconfiguration request module 132 requests the network device 300 to configure the service of the virtual device with the generated service description, that is, the service description generated by the service information generation module 131 is transmitted to the network device 300. Transmits a message requesting service configuration of the virtual device for the transmitted service description.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal network device for providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4A is a block diagram of an internal module of the network device 300, and FIGS. 4B to 4D are block diagrams showing lower modules of each module of the network device 300. Referring to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the network device 300 includes a device reconfiguration module 310, a service reconfiguration module 320, and a description reconfiguration module 330.

The device reconfiguration module 310 provides device descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device providing a virtual service in a network environment, and provides IDs of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device. Create

That is, when the device configuration request module 120 is requested to configure the virtual device with the device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device input by the user, for the requested plurality of UPnP CD 200 A predetermined ID is generated, and the generated ID is included in the device description to create a device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200.

The service reconfiguration module 320 provides a service description necessary for the virtual service among the service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device.

That is, when the service configuration request module 130 receives a request for configuring the virtual device from among the service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device input by the user, the service description required for the virtual service is requested. The service description for the received service is transmitted to the description reconfiguration module 330.

The description reconfiguration module 330 combines device descriptions and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 provided from the device reconfiguration module 310 and the service reconfiguration module 320 to generate a description of the virtual device.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the device reconfiguration module 310 includes a device information receiving module 311, a device ID generation module 312, and a device information configuration module 313.

The device information receiving module 311 receives a message and a device description from the device configuration request module 120 requesting to configure a virtual device with device descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device input by a user. .

The device ID generation module 312 generates predetermined IDs for the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device requested from the device configuration request module 120. Here, the device ID may be understood as a UUID (Uniuque Universal Identifier). The UUID is a unique ID of the UPnP CD 200, and the UPnP CP 100 recognizes the UPnP CD 200 through the UUID.

The device information configuration module 313 includes a plurality of IDs generated by the device ID generation module 312 in device descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 configuring the virtual device transmitted by the device configuration request module 120. Generate device descriptions of the UPnP CDs 200.

As a result, a complete device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device received from the user is generated.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the service reconfiguration module 320 includes a service information reception module 321 and a service information configuration module 322.

The service information receiving module 321 configures the service of the virtual device with the service description required for the virtual service among the services of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device input by the user from the service configuration request module 130. Receive a message and a service description requesting it to.

The service information configuration module 322 transmits service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device transmitted from the service configuration request module 130 to the description reconfiguration module 330.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the description reconfiguration module 330 replaces the device / service information receiving module 331, the service URL module 332, the description regeneration module 333, and the device / service information transmitting module 334. It is configured to include.

The device / service information receiving module 331 receives device descriptions and service descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting a virtual device transmitted from the device reconfiguration module 310 and the service reconfiguration module 320.

The service URL module 332 provides a URL for a service required by the virtual device. Here, the service URL refers to an address indicating a location where the corresponding service is stored so that the user can use the predetermined service.

The description regeneration module 333 generates a description of the virtual device by combining the device description and the service description received by the device / service information receiving module 331. Here, the description regeneration module 332 generates a description of the virtual device including the service URL provided by the service URL module 333.

The device / service information transmission module 334 transmits the description of the virtual device generated by the description regeneration module 333 to the UPnP CP 100.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a virtually constructed service according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, a user designates a virtual device that provides a virtual service among UPnP CDs 200 existing in a home network (S100).

Accordingly, the UPnP CP 100 searches for devices and services of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device designated by the user (S110), and the device / service information configuration module 113 selects a device selected from the searched user and Store service information.

For example, a user selects a digital TV and a DVD among a plurality of UPnP CDs 200, selects a play on / off function among services provided by the digital TV, and a play on / off function among services provided by the DVD. In this case, the UPnP CP 100 retrieves a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 (ie, a digital TV and a DVD) selected from the user, and the service information (ie, digital TV) of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 selected from the user. After reproducing on / off function and play on / off function of DVD), the device and service information retrieved through the device / service information configuration module 113 are stored.

Here, looking at how the UPnP CP 100 searches for a device and a service requested from a user, the UPnP CP 100 is provided by all UPnP CDs 200 and UPnP CDs 200 existing in a home network. A description is requested from the UPnP CD 200 via the sending module 114 to retrieve the service. Accordingly, the UPnP CDs 200 transmit their descriptions to the UPnP CP 100.

Then, the reception module 111 receives the description transmitted by the UPnP CD 200, and the device / service information extraction module 112 parses the received description to extract information of each UPnP CD 200. .

 Thus, the UPnP CP 100 can grasp the information and location of the UPnP CD 200 existing in the home network, and the corresponding UPnP CP 100 through the information and location information of the plurality of UPnP CD 200 constituting the virtual device specified by the user You can directly control devices and services.

The device configuration request module 120 then creates a device description of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 that make up the virtual device, and the service configuration request module 130 of the service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200. A service description required for the virtual service is generated (S120).

For example, if the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device are digital TVs and DVDs, the device configuration request module 120 generates device descriptions for the digital TVs and DVDs.

In addition, when a service required for the virtual service among the service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 is a play on / off function of a digital TV and a play on / off function of a DVD, a service description of a corresponding service function is generated. .

Next, device descriptions and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the generated virtual device are transmitted to the network device 300 (S130).

The device reconfiguration module 310 and the service reconfiguration module 320 then receive device descriptions and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 sent from the device configuration request module 120 and the service configuration request module 130. (S140, S150).

Then, the device reconfiguration module 310 generates a predetermined ID (ie, UUID) for the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the received virtual device (S142), and generates the service ID request module. In addition to the device description of the plurality of UPnP CD (200) received from the (120). As a result, device descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 are completed (S144).

Next, device descriptions of the plurality of completed UPnP CDs 200 are transmitted to the description regeneration module 330 (S146).

The service reconfiguration module 320 transmits service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 transmitted from the service configuration request module 130 to the description regeneration module 330 (S152).

The description regeneration module 330 then combines the device descriptions and service descriptions of the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 sent by the device reconfiguration module 310 and the service reconfiguration module 320 to generate a description of the virtual device. (S160). At this time, the description of the virtual device includes a URL for a service required by the virtual device.

Next, the description regeneration module 330 transmits the description of the virtual device to the UPnP CP 100 (S170).

Accordingly, the UPnP CP 100 parses the description of the transmitted virtual device and stores the information of the virtual device. Here, the description of the virtual device stores information about a plurality of UPnP CDs 200 constituting the virtual device and a service URL for a service required for the virtual device, so that the user can control the same UPnP CD 200. If you request, you can quickly control the device and service through the virtual device.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Herein, a process of creating a description and generating a virtual device according to the description will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

Among the UPnP CDs 200 existing in the home network to create a virtual "movie reproducing apparatus", a user designates a device for reproducing a movie and a virtual device providing a service accordingly. Here, the plurality of UPnP CDs 200 and their services constituting a user-specified virtual device include a digital TV, a DVD and a dimmer, a play on / off function of a digital TV, a play on / off function of a DVD, and a dimmer. It can be understood as the lighting on / off function of.

The UPnP CP 100 then comprises a plurality of UPnP CDs (i.e., TV, DVD, and Dimmer) constituting a user-specified virtual device and a corresponding service (i.e., playback on / off function of the digital TV, DVD). Play on / off function, and lighting on / off function of Dimmer), and create device descriptions and service descriptions of TV, DVD, and Dimmer that make up the virtual device.

For example, FIG. 6A illustrates a device description. When a user creates a "user-defined" part and transmits it to the network device 300, the device reconfiguration module 310 of the network device 300 automatically generates a part. By adding the device's UUID to it, you complete the device description for TV, DVD, and Dimmer.

6B shows the service description, which defines the service function of the Dimmer.

When the service configuration request module 130 generates a service description required by the virtual device among the services provided by Dimmer, and then transmits the service description to the description regeneration module 330, the description regeneration module 330 may require the virtual device. Complete Dimmer's service description, including the URL that provides the service.

The description regeneration module 330 then combines the device description and service description of the generated TV, DVD and Dimmer to generate a description of the virtual device. Thus, a description of a virtual device called "movie reproducing apparatus" is generated.

Next, the description of the generated "movie reproducing apparatus" is transmitted to the UPnP CP 100, and the UPnP CP 100 stores information about the "movie reproducing apparatus".

Thus, when a user requests control of a TV, DVD, and Dimmer to view a movie, the UPnP CP 100 can quickly search and control the devices and functions that the user wants to use through a virtual “movie playback device”. have.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. I can understand that. Therefore, the embodiments described above are to be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

According to the network device and the method for providing the service of the present invention as described above has one or more of the following effects.

First, by generating a description of a virtual device by combining device descriptions and service descriptions of a plurality of UPnP CDs constituting a virtual device received from a user, there is an advantage that a user can quickly provide a desired service.

Second, by providing a virtual device that operates only with a predetermined device and a service function that a user wants to use, it is possible to improve bandwith usability of a home network.

Claims (4)

A device reconfiguration module that provides device descriptions of a plurality of network devices that constitute a user-specified virtual device in a home network environment; A service reconfiguration module for providing a service description necessary for the virtual device among service descriptions of the plurality of network devices; And And a description reconfiguration module that combines the device descriptions of the provided plurality of network devices with the provided service descriptions to generate a description of the virtual device. The method of claim 1, The device reconfiguration module provides a virtually configured service that provides a predetermined ID to a plurality of network devices required to provide a virtual service. Designating a virtual device for providing a virtual service in a home network environment by a user; Searching for a plurality of network devices and services constituting the virtual device designated by the user; Sending device descriptions and service descriptions of the retrieved network devices; And Combining the device descriptions of the transmitted network devices and the service description to generate a description of the virtual device. The method of claim 3, wherein And providing a predetermined ID for a plurality of network devices needed to provide the virtual service.

Images